LPD, DCSO ensure safety at county fair

Davidson County Agricultural Fair manager Vinnon Williams said the Lexington Kiwanis Club couldn't put on the fair without the assistance of law enforcement officers.

BY DARRICK IGNASIAKThe Dispatch

Davidson County Agricultural Fair manager Vinnon Williams said the Lexington Kiwanis Club couldn't put on the fair without the assistance of the Lexington Police Department and Davidson County Sheriff's Office."They make it safe for us," Williams said.The law enforcement agencies have provided coverage at no charge to the Kiwanis Club for years. Deputies provide security inside the fairgrounds, and LPD officers handle the fair traffic. The roads just outside of the fairgrounds are inside the city limits, and the fair is in the county, Williams said. "I think people and families feel safer when they come here to see these guys in uniform, and they are constantly patrolling the midway out here," the fair manager said. "They are very visible."Davidson County Sheriff David Grice said the sheriff's office has traditionally taken care of the fair's security. He said his department usually has 14 to 20 deputies at the fair during its operating hours. Grice said typically there are not many incidences at the fair, except for the occasional person who is disgruntled about games or someone who has been drinking. The sheriff explained there are video cameras capturing people who are coming and going from the fair."We have a record of any trouble," he said.Law enforcement coverage, Grice said, is needed anytime there is a large gathering of people. He said deputies usually handle a couple of situations during the fair week involving children who become lost from their parents."Those situations are usually short-lived," Grice said.Grice said deputies are looking for people who are displaying gang activity, bringing a weapon onto the property, people who are breaking into vehicles or are under the influence of alcohol."Come out and have fun," the sheriff said, referring to the fair. "… It's a good time to run into people that you haven't seen (in a while). … It's just a situation that should be enjoyable, and that's how we tend to keep it."Chief Tad Kepley of the LPD said his agency works closely with fair officials, as well as the DCSO. Kepley said the agencies had a meeting prior to the start of the fair to make sure things go smoothly this week and everyone remains safe."It's a great thing for Davidson County, and all the money that gets raised goes for a great cause," the chief said.Proceeds from the fair send nearly 200 children, selected by the Davidson County Department of Social Services, to Kamp Kiwanis. For three weeks children have the opportunity to participate in a new experience through outdoor camping, swimming and interaction with club members. Funds are also used for maintenance of the fairgrounds.The fair runs through Saturday. Gate admission is $2 for children 5 to 11 years old and adults are $7. Children under 5 are admitted free. The price of rides varies each day with special discounts available. For more information go to www.davidsoncountyagfair.com.Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or at darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com. Follow Darrick on Twitter: @DispatchDarrick.